Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 2016, A Promising Future

The terms "governor" and "lord" are both translation issues.

In fact, all levels of British administrative structure in Calcutta could be called the Governor's Office.

One was the Governor-General of India.

One was the Governor of Calcutta.

Then there are the smaller local governors.

The Governor's Palace was built near the port.

From a distance, it looks like a huge castle.

It looks a lot like the castles owned by the Teutonic Knights in Age of Empires.

The surrounding area was completely bare. There was nothing to hold onto. It was virtually impossible to climb.

Unless it's a direct hit from an 88mm gun, it's estimated that even a 155mm howitzer wouldn't be able to cause fatal damage.

The later Berlin air-raid towers were probably modeled after this castle.

It's incredibly sturdy.

It's unclear how the British eventually withdrew from India.

If they fight to the death and refuse to retreat, given the fighting strength of the Indians, it would be impossible for them to defeat the British.

"please."

"This is His Excellency Earl Charlech, Governor of Calcutta."

"This is Commissioner Zhang Yong."

A brief introduction.

Then they took their seats.

British rulers held high positions in India.

They're always talking about marquesses and earls. They're all old aristocrats from the British Empire.

Zhang Yong ignored all of this.

The great achievement of the Xinhai Revolution was the elimination of all the meritorious officials and powerful figures.

Since the Republic of China era, the terms "prince" and "noble" have ceased to exist. Theoretically, everyone is equal. No one dares to go against the tide of history.

Even a bald man wouldn't dare. The lesson of Yuan Shikai is right before our eyes. Eighty-three days—a laughingstock indeed.

However, the British also have a very strong system of meritocracy.

"Commissioner, the Governor's reply has arrived," Kane said slowly.

"Thank you." Zhang Yong bowed politely to express his gratitude.

"However, there has been a slight change regarding the issue of private property."

"Oh?"

Zhang Yong raised his eyebrows.

Slight modifications? That would be a major overhaul.

He was well aware of this kind of diplomatic rhetoric. Someone in his previous life had interpreted it.

The two sides held friendly talks, meaning no agreement was reached. However, no fighting broke out on the spot.

"A little change" means that there is still a little bit left to change.

It's possible that 99% has been modified, with 1% still retained.

"We have decided to give the area surrounding Gold Rush Bay to Your Excellency, Commissioner."

"Gold Rush Bay? What place is that?"

"Fifty kilometers to the west."

"west?"

Zhang Yong was puzzled.

He didn't know what was going on over there.

frown.

"It is a great harbor."

"is it?"

"I guarantee it's bigger than all the ports in Calcutta combined."

"is it?"

"His Excellency the Governor has decided to increase the land exchange by 30%. All the land surrounding Gold Rush Bay will be assigned to the Commissioner as his private property."

"it is good."

Zhang Yong's brows relaxed slightly.

A 30% increase?

looks good.

All he needs now is area.

Other products are no longer considered.

"Here are the files."

"it is good."

Zhang Yong reached out and took it.

They discovered that it even had the king's crown emblem on it.

I don't know how serious it is.

It seemed very serious.

Closer look.

Finally, we can see the total area at the back.

It's a whole number. Very easy to remember. It's 500,000 acres.

That translates to approximately 2000 square kilometers, equivalent to a relatively small county in later times.

This area is good.

Zhang Yong was very satisfied.

However, it is estimated that there are some other problems in this area.

Otherwise, the other party wouldn't change the terms. What was it called again? Gold Rush Bay? I guess the reality is the opposite of the name.

"Sir Commissioner, is there any other question?"

"No."

"Then please have Colonel Kane take you to Gold Rush Bay!"

"Thank you!"

Zhang Yong stood up.

Leave the lord's manor.

Then, leading the convoy, they set off for Gold Rush Bay.

It's not very far. There's a coastal highway. It's a paved asphalt road.

That's incredibly advanced. They already had asphalt roads in this era. Even a huge city like Shanghai didn't have that. The difference is truly enormous.

However, something gradually became apparent...

The coastline started to become very steep. There were even rocks.

The waves crashed against the rocks, splashing up white spray.

very beautiful.

But it's deadly.

Because such a harbor is not suitable for use as a naval port.

The shore is rocky, and there are likely hidden reefs below. Cargo ships or warships simply cannot get in.

He frowned slightly...

I curse the other person for having ill intentions...

[Discovery of a deep-water harbor]

[Can be modified]

[Capable of accommodating 500,000-ton ships]

[Release Naval Shipyard]

Suddenly, a series of system messages arrived.

Zhang Yong actually sensed that the system seemed to be slightly excited.

doubt.

It looks like it is...

Oh, the system has very powerful modification capabilities.

Perhaps it really can be transformed into a deep-water port, where massive ships of tens of thousands of tons can dock.

Half a million tons is indeed a bit of an exaggeration.

Maybe in the future.

For the time being, being able to dock a 10,000-ton ship is already quite impressive.

The British must have conducted a thorough investigation of this harbor and concluded that there was no possibility of renovation before handing it over to them.

"Crash!"

The waves continued to crash fiercely against the rocks on the shore.

The splashing waves almost reached the road on the shore. It brings to mind the saying: "Scattered rocks pierce the sky, and the waves crash against the shore."

It is clear that this area is no longer the Ganges Delta.

This area belongs to ancient land.

The rocks could not have formed in the Ganges Delta.

Since it's not the Ganges Delta, it means this area is definitely not very prosperous.

"Front."

"The harbor is just ahead."

Kane seemed to realize he couldn't cover up the lie, so he said something to conceal it.

Because he had the system's backing, Zhang Yong didn't show it. He simply nodded lazily, indicating that he wasn't very happy.

Keep going.

Finally, we saw a real harbor.

Yes, it is indeed a harbor. And a very large U-shaped harbor at that.

On the surface, it is an absolutely natural harbor.

It looks like a giant sofa with armrests on both sides.

The harbor is very large.

Conservative estimates suggest that it can accommodate hundreds of large ships simultaneously.

Moreover, thanks to the handrails, it's difficult for outside wind and waves to sweep in. Therefore, it's relatively safe.

Storms in the Indian Ocean can sometimes be very powerful.

"look……"

"Are there many reefs below?"

"This one……"

"You must have tried to clean it, but couldn't, right?"

"Indeed. It's quite difficult."

Kane answered slowly. He wasn't entirely telling the truth.

It's not that it's difficult; it's that it's simply impossible. Otherwise, why would the British have been willing to hand it over?

It should be understood that in the eyes of the British, sea power has always been the top priority.

The British have monopolized almost a third of the world's best ports.

Even now, the strength of the British Royal Navy remains undisputed as the number one.

The number of battleships in the British Royal Navy was astonishing.

The quality was also very high. Some battleships were even equipped with secret radar technology.

This radar technology is not found in the navies of other countries.

It will only be when the United States mass-produces Essex-class aircraft carriers and takes over the top naval command that the US will gradually hand over control.

It's not that the British don't work hard.

It marks the end of an era.

Battleships, once the dominant force in naval warfare, were replaced by aircraft carriers.

The world's maritime hegemon has changed.

"Colonel Kane, from now on, this harbor will belong entirely to me?"

"Correct."

"Is this your king's seal?"

"Correct."

"it is good."

Zhang Yong accepted.

There's a system in place to back you up. There might be some unexpected surprises.

Look around.

They discovered that there was a military camp near the port.

It is estimated that initially, the British army intended to maintain a permanent presence here.

They probably thought they had the ability to deal with the reefs and then acquire a good port. Unfortunately, they ultimately failed.

"Somebody come!"

"To!"

"Send a telegram to Commander Wang and ask him to bring five hundred men over."

"Yes."

The communications officer sent a telegram.

Since this harbor belongs to us, we must station troops here.

Five hundred people is just the beginning. More can be stationed here later, because it's really convenient. Supplies can be transported by ship.

Once the system removes the underwater reefs, even massive ships can sail in...

Just thinking about it makes me a little excited.

[The reef is being dealt with...]

The reef has been cleared.

The minimum water depth in the port has exceeded fifty meters.

[Boats can be arranged to enter]

Suddenly, the system sent a notification.

Zhang Yong: ? ? ?
Goodness. Is it really that simple?
It was all done in such a short time?

wow!

Doesn't this mean that I can go around building deep-water ports in the future?
The system can be expanded as long as it's its own territory.

A depth of fifty meters is a bit of an exaggeration. In fact, a depth of twenty meters is already sufficient for ships weighing tens of thousands of tons to pass through.

Ships with a displacement of less than 100,000 tons seem to have a draft of less than 20 meters.

If it were even slightly deeper, a submarine could enter.

The water depth is currently 50 meters, which is perfect for intercepting submarines. They cannot enter.

"Sir Commissioner, your cargo ship..."

"almost there."

"immediately?"

"Yes. I've already sent the signal. They're heading towards Gold Rush Bay."

"what?"

Kane sensed something was wrong.

It seems like we just handed over Gold Rush Bay to you.

And then your cargo ship arrived on time?
By the way, your communication skills are excellent! Information is transmitted very promptly.

"Hold on."

Zhang Yong was relaxed and at ease.

It's basically about arranging for the system to deliver goods.

The cargo ship was delivered directly from the ocean outside Gold Rush Bay.

Beyond Gold Rush Bay lies the vast Indian Ocean.

The Indian Ocean is actually quite large.

five minutes……

ten minutes……

"coming!"

Zhang Yong raised his binoculars.

Dark spots began to appear on the horizon. One, two…

The black dots grew larger and larger. They multiplied, eventually becoming cargo ships, their masts flying the French tricolor flag.

Colonel Kane: ? ? ?
I'm very confused.

what happened?

Why is the cargo ship flying the French flag?

Could it be that Zhang Yong also got it from the French? It seems the French will sell anything for profit.

That makes sense. They were defeated. Chaos reigned. What wouldn't they dare to do?

Selling cargo ships...

Selling warships...

Suddenly, an absurd thought flashed through my mind.

Kane himself found it all very absurd. But in the end, he couldn't help but ask.

“Mr. Commissioner…”

"Speak directly if you have anything to say."

"Do you have a way to get your hands on both French battleships and cruisers?"

"what?"

"French battleships and cruisers..."

"The Richelieu?"

"Correct."

"This is a bit difficult..."

Zhang Yong gave a vague answer. He neither agreed nor denied it.

It's a bit difficult.

Who knows how the system will handle it?
What if the system is so powerful that it actually replicates a Richelieu?

Since they were able to replicate the Fantasy-class destroyer, theoretically they could also replicate the Richelieu-class battleship.

I actually hope it's false.

Otherwise, the system would be truly too overpowered.

Zhang Yong will also be under everyone's scrutiny. He will then become the focus of global attention.

You managed to get your hands on a Richelieu-class battleship, and you still say you're not Chang Wei? You still say you don't know martial arts? How could that be?

At that time, all the bigwigs and giants in the world will be watching you closely.

We should just build some Fantasy-class destroyers.

The maximum increase is one point...

have a bee in one's bonnet.

The cargo ships have already lined up and entered the harbor.

Colonel Kane hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

They were clearly worried that the reefs would damage the cargo ship.

But in the end, for reasons unknown, they didn't offer any warnings. Instead, they remained silent.

result……

One after another, cargo ships docked smoothly.

There were no unexpected incidents. The port entry was so smooth and seamless.

Finally, all thirty cargo ships were neatly moored.

Zhang Yong shrugged. "Look, all the cargo ships have arrived."

"Thank you!" Kane was still pleasantly surprised and checked several times to make sure it was correct.

They are all giant ships with a displacement of 12000 tons!
It really happened.

Their role will be very significant.

They will travel to every corner of the ocean, transporting resources back and forth.

"The warship will have to wait a few more days."

"It's ok."

Kane was very satisfied.

The governor above would probably be very satisfied.

After all, thirty 10,000-ton freighters are far more important than three destroyers.

The British could produce three destroyers themselves.

However, the British shipyards were already unable to schedule the shipment of thirty 10,000-ton giant ships.

These massive ships, with a displacement of over 10,000 tons, could only be built in shipyards in Britain. None of the shipyards in the colonies could build them.

"Goodbye."

Zhang Yong sent the man away.

Then he silently surveyed his surroundings, brimming with confidence.

Regardless of how things end up, for now, this haven belongs to me.

The surrounding oval-shaped area, approximately 2000 square kilometers, also belongs to him privately. This is acknowledged by the King of England.

By the way, who is the current King of England? I think he's a man. The one who stutters?
Yes, I've seen the movie "The King's Speech".

Arrange the delivery discreetly.

The command system sent him thirty BMW motorcycles.

To patrol my territory, I need a motorcycle! Horses are too slow.

"Suddenly..."

The next moment, Zhang Yong drove around the car.

We discovered plains, hills, mountains, forests, grasslands, and rivers...